South Carolina’s run at another national title just got a lot trickier.

The school announced on Monday that it will be without star forward Chloe Kitts as she is out for the season with a torn ACL in her right knee, with surgery on the horizon later this week.

It is unclear how or when Kitts sustained the injury. The Gamecocks’ season begins Nov. 3.

Kitts, who started 38 games last season, was the MVP of the SEC Tournament and helped carry South Carolina to a national championship game berth in 2025 before falling to UConn, 82-59.

She was a member of the 2024 team that won a national championship.

South Carolina had been the clear favorite going into the season and remains the favorite despite the injury, coming in at +220 on FanDuel, while UConn is behind them at +250.

The senior forward was a significant inside presence for South Carolina, standing at 6-foot-2, putting up 9,1 points and 5.9 rebounds, and started 31 games as a sophomore for the Gamecocks.

“We hate this first for Chloe, who has worked incredibly hard to become the best version of herself on the court this season,” South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said in a statement released on social media. “Her teammates are capable of stepping up, and I know that her competitive fire and tenacity will be felt from the sidelines as she pours what she can into them to ensure our team’s success.”

Kitts also took to social media after the devastating injury.

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and support,” Kitts said on Instagram. “While this isn’t how I expected my senior season would go, I’m trusting God’s timing and purpose. I’ll continue to lead, support and push my team from the sidelines. We have big things ahead!”

Kitts is a projected first-round pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, and it is unclear whether this injury will affect her stock come the spring.

Kitts, who is dating Raptors’ 2025 draft pick Collin Murray-Boyles, could also forgo the draft and opt to return for another college season.